One of the Egyptian pieces I saw at the Nelson-Atkins dating from the same era as the palette. See the cat under the chair on the left. Some things never change. While doing research for another paint-making based project, I stumbled upon a couple of Egyptian palettes dating from the New Kingdom era, and with … Continue reading Egyptian Rainbows
Will It Paint?: Master Alan’s Fireplace Gunk/Spinel Black
A little while ago, Master Alan here in Calontir told me that he had some sort of black powder stuff that he got from cleaning the fireplace/forge and asked if I wanted some to see if it would paint. Completed Master Alan's Fireplace Gunk paint. I said yes, and during the long weekend, I played … Continue reading Will It Paint?: Master Alan’s Fireplace Gunk/Spinel Black
Omphaloskepsis: In Defense of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The SCA can be a wonderful, transformative organization, teaching others medieval arts, courtesy, and other skills that can affect not only their in-game life, but their world outside of the organization. However, like any modern organization that contains people, the SCA has a DEI puzzle to solve. When studying the medieval world, its class systems … Continue reading Omphaloskepsis: In Defense of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
More about Volunteer Retention
To add to volunteer retention: if people don’t feel appreciated or that their service is needed, they will stop volunteering. People also will not serve if they feel like they have no support systems. (And no, handing someone a handbook on how to do a job does not equal support.) This is how we lose … Continue reading More about Volunteer Retention
Volunteer Retention in the SCA
People are far more willing to give if they are invested but not abused; cherished, but not made a pawn; loved for who they are while also giving them space to find ways to grow and learn. Don't badger people for why they don't have awards or things you think they need, but be willing to make space for them to figure things out on their own. As long as it's not destructive, harmful, or hateful, let people be.
Brian’s Calon Cross
Generally, I try to post about a scroll when it gets presented, but attacks of life happen. This was one such scroll. Back in July, I got asked if I could do a scroll for a friend (one of many that went out during the last reign), and I said that I could. With Brian's … Continue reading Brian’s Calon Cross
Family Heirlooms: how heraldic inheritance really works
With the interest in heraldry growing from the funeral of QEII, there's something I've noticed a lot of lately from folks outside of the SCA, and that is (mostly Americans) not understanding how heraldry works. So, you know those heraldic shops at cultural festivals and renaissance faires and occasionally the mall? You know, the ones … Continue reading Family Heirlooms: how heraldic inheritance really works
Interkingdom Shenani-plans
Imagine it: it's the end of July. I have just completed a blank border and another scroll (that I still can't talk about) and no sooner do I finish the blank border, I get a wha-ping from an instant message from a kingdom I don't even live in. Turns out, that was a "hey, do … Continue reading Interkingdom Shenani-plans
Painting the Heavens: making gouache paint for SCA illumination
My rabbit hole since about mid-2020 has been making paint. My Kingdom Arts and Sciences entry involved a palette I'd made, and most of the scrolls I've made in the last six months or so have used paint I've made. A lot of people have been asking for when I'm teaching classes on that, but … Continue reading Painting the Heavens: making gouache paint for SCA illumination
Calontir Kingdom Arts & Sciences 2022
The past few weeks, I've been really busy. Besides modern life, I've been preparing for an entry into Kingdom Arts and Sciences/A&S Championships. Like Queen's Prize, it's a time to share what you've been working on, but also to get feedback on your projects. Unlike Queen's Prize, it is open to all, regardless of the … Continue reading Calontir Kingdom Arts & Sciences 2022
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